The light at the end of the tunnel

There have been plenty of times when my faith in humanity has faltered. I have often wondered where the competent people are and how on Earth the inept seem to be running things. I read the news online and for every uplifting story, there are three dismal. It seems in times like these, finding hope is hard; making a difference is difficult. The mentality that one is too small is the majority and there is so much talk, yet so little action. These words could apply to so many things relevant to the now- the oil spill, our healthcare system...
But just when things in my little world seemed ultimately bleak; the light at the end of the tunnel so far away, I see a shimmering beam. It comes in the form of people with smiling faces, strength in their hands and passion in their hearts.
The woman I am proud to call my grandmother suffered a stroke on New Year’s Eve and has been in the rehab wing of the nursing home for nearly six months, fighting with everything she has to regain the use of her right side, the ability to speak again, and her independence.
Because of the hard work, perseverance and dedication of a few good people I can call family, by blood or not, she was able to return to her home this weekend after 6 months away- a fully accessible, sparkling clean, freshly landscaped, handicap-approved home.
My faith has been restored and the light seems just a little bit closer.

Fairy Tale Day for a Princess Bride

Dark, daunting clouds loom over head and a cool, wet wind blows across my face as I stand at the West Dennis Yacht Club. I clench my jaw as I see the beautiful bride peeking out the window of her dressing room with a furrowed brow, both of us praying the rain holds off. The guests arrive, the groom and his groomsmen take their places and the procession begins- and a fat spit of a rain drop hits my forearm. I hold my breath. Somewhere over the Rainbow begins through the speakers and out steps the stunning bride. As she reaches her groom, kisses her father and takes her place under the arbor, I lower my camera and raise my eyes. The sky has lightened. The wind has calmed. It seems the gods have recognized the importance of this moment and held their breath. For the duration of the sweet, brief ceremony, we stay dry. Then as the newlyweds are announced, the guests cheer and bridal party walks up the aisle, the sky opens up and the rain begins. It was as if it was waiting for us to finish.

So I didn’t get to try out all the inspired ideas that I had for the bridal party formals on the beach, in the boats and on the docks. So my lens got a little wet as we feverishly snapped the family and bridal party portraits on the lawn. What I let myself be reminded of was that the bride got her wish; she married the love her life by the sea, in open air, with her closest friends and family. And it was beautiful.

Congratulations Jen and Charlie.

If there was ever a couple to exemplify the idea of Soul Mates, it is Ari and Loren. The high school sweethearts tied the knot at the stunning Corn Hill beach this week, followed by a backyard reception under a twinkling tent filled with poignant toasts, joyful dancing, rocking music by the Flakes and of course, love. Never have I seen such a community outpouring of pure happiness for a couple that is clearly ideal compliments to each other. Bridesmaid and sister to the groom, Ana, belted out the melodic lyrics to their first dance. Bridesmaid and sister to the bride, Marisa, spoke of her profound love for both her sister and her new brother. And I do not cry easily, yet my viewfinder fogged up as I tried to shoot groomsman, Kai, toasting the newlyweds, noting Ari’s character, Loren’s grace and the couple’s compatibility.

It was truly the kind of day that makes me love what I do. Thank you Ari and Loren.

It's a beautiful life

Spring has Sprung

Spring is in full swing here on the Cape and with it comes new life and color. This past weekend I went for a lazy boat ride around Horse Shoe pond in Harwich, shooting my G9 while Matt cast out a few lines. In the late afternoon sun, the colors were sparkling and warm. A pair of Canada geese floated by with their four little goslings and lily pads blossoming surrounded us. It was quiet and fresh and the perfect end to a hectic long weekend.